Flux #3 - Man’ Escarpments

Flux aims to explore the themes of liminal space, temporality and boundaries, whether physical or theoretical. This exploration is carried out through field recording and sound design. Each episode invites an artist, performer or sound recordist to create a show in reaction to these themes. Exploring a space or spaces they deem relevant through their own creative practice.

This episode explores two powerful walls. The Land Walls of Istanbul dating back to the 4th - 5th century and the contemporary Sea Defence Walls currently being constructed in prefecture of Fukushima, Japan. 

The Land Walls that used to define the rear perimeter of the city. But, as the city has grown it has expanded beyond its reach and now cuts through different demographics and communities, picking up new thoughts, new sounds, and new environments.

The sea walls of Fukushima now span some … km and reach a height of 12m in places. These walls constructed to protect communities from Typhoon or Tsunami are a highly contested space due to their effect on these very same communities. Cutting them off from the sight and sound of the sea. The walls acting as a sound mirror reflecting the internal and external sounds.

From inside the safety of the walls one only hears the reflected anthrophonic sounds of the populous, industry and infrastructure, as well as, the biophonic sounds of cicadas, birds and domestic animals. On the exterior side the mass reverberations of the waves cancel all other noises and the both the soundwaves and waves compete for space.